Mission Providence

Progress on Baby Transition Home

Sheasby Stephen — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 21:10:27 +0000

Since we visited the “Door of Hope” in South Africa in 2007, we have been convicted that at some point Mission Providence needs to be directly involved with rescuing abandoned babies. The time has come! Since our move here 9 months ago, much time and effort has been spent on assessing the situation, researching like-minded organizations, receiving training and finalizing the model that would work best for our own family.

Met with the elders at the Queen Mary Church of Christ, our home congregation – March 2011
Formed a South African Board for Mission Providence – April 2011
Finalized constitution and other documentation needed to register with the government. Submitted application to register as a not-for-profit organization (NPO) – May 2011 and gained approval September 2011.
Started looking for suitable premises – July 2011
Esme received training – August 2011
Move into new premises – Target October 2011
Collect baby furniture and supplies from church and community – Target November 2011
Register with child welfare organizations – Target December 2011
Start receiving first babies – Target January 2012

Sheasby Family Update – July 2011

Sheasby Stephen — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 08:07:45 +0000

After 6 months in Durban we all feel a sense of belonging and routine.

We have had a constant flow of visitors at our home, some staying for a meal, some staying the night.

But, the best personal news we have is that Chloe was baptized by her dad on January 21! Asking questions for months, we eventually realized she was really ready for this huge step. We are so thankful for her gentle, teachable heart and her desire to please God in all of life.

In April, Stephen and Esmé were surprised by an anonymous gift for much needed new glasses! Chloe received new glasses too. We were happy that kids under age 12 receive the eye test and glasses free of charge.

Chloe still excels at school and at gymnastics. At school she has completed all required Grade 5 work. Joseph is also doing much better in his new school, enjoys playing soccer with his friends and has also started beginner gymnastics.

With the end of June school has closed for the long winter holidays. Here in Durban it gets quite cold early morning and at night, but the days are still warm and bright. We are all excited for our upcoming road trip to Cape Town during these holidays to go see family, especially grandparents! Stephen and the kids have not been back there since our arrival in 2008, so it is time!

Thank you to all of you who make it possible for us to live and work here in southern Africa. May the Lord bless you in every way!

Swaziland – July 2011 Update

Sheasby Stephen — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 08:04:37 +0000

Before our move away from Swaziland, we carefully considered how to address work started during our 2 years there and decided to commit to funding food for the three Care Points. Every two months we travel 6 hours north to Swaziland to encourage our partners and to replenish supplies. The Care Points are functioning well under the leadership of local Christians, and especially the dedication of local grandmothers who faithfully cook the food. All in all, we are encouraged that the Care Points continue successfully ministering to the needy children of Swaziland.

Our first trip was at the end of January with subsequent trips in April and June.

Report from June Visit

On our recent trip we were also encouraged by the progress of the congregations we helped establish. It was wonderful to see how all the children have grown. The cooks and children were so happy to see us. We really do miss them and it was great to re–connect with everyone.

About 60 children receive a healthy meal every day and approximately 200 children receive two meals per week.

The Matsapha Church of Christ has secure storage facilities and are able to store and distribute the food to the other Care Points.

KaShali Starts a Preschool

Our first Care Point, established in KaShali, had shared many dreams with us for their community when we first started meeting with them 2 years ago. Through God’s help and your contributions we were able to start the Care Point and later plant a church — two of their dreams.

On this trip we were delighted to see that they have been able to fulfill another dream: starting a preschool. The preschool caters to about 40 children who benefit from regular, nutritious meals and pastoral care.

South Africa – July 2011 Update

Sheasby Stephen — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 07:59:44 +0000

We are still convicted that we need to open up a safe house and transition home for abandoned babies, and as such we have to register as a “voluntary association.” It has taken us a while to get to know people and to be known at the local church.

Local Management Team

In that time, we have been able to form the new South African Mission Providence Management Team — a local entity required for formal application for non-profit status with the South African government. All five of the team members attend the Queen Mary Ave Church of Christ and have a passion for helping children. Three are elders’ wives, one is a high–school teacher and one is a medical doctor.

Waiting for NPO Status

Our South African constitution has been finalized and our application as a non-profit organization (NPO) has been sent to the South African government. While waiting for our official NPO number (similar to a non-governmental organization in the United States) we are meeting with and volunteering at other similar organizations here in Durban. One such organization that has helped us a great deal is Ithemba Lethu (Zulu for “I have a destiny”) where Stephen and Esmé volunteer weekly to learn their basic routine for caring for abandoned babies. It is so amazing to see these babies, unwanted and thrown away by their own family, thrive on the love and care they receive at this place. Just in the last week, seven abandoned babies have been found just around our neighbourhood. It is our dream to open a baby transition home in Durban in early 2012.

South African Management Team

Sheasby Stephen — Sun, 01 May 2011 13:37:33 +0000

We are pleased to announce the South African Management team: Tracey Lister, Anne Pretorius, Philip Theron, Heather Theron, and Jeanne Zwart.

Welcome to Mission Providence!

Sheasby Stephen — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 22:00:06 +0000

Mission providence is a faith based humanitarian organisation whose goal is to help those affected by HIV and AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa. The organization was started in 2008 in Houston, Texas comprising of 4 board members and co-founders Stephen and Esmé Sheasby. The group set up their first area of operation in Swaziland with the goal of expanding as much as possible into Southern Africa.